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Ross-shire man's lockdown diary opens new chapter as an author with copies snapped up near and far; Sandy Thomson's lockdown dreams of Harry Gow treats, encounters with cats and dogs and love of BBC Radio 2's PopMaster reveal light side in dark times


By Hector MacKenzie

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Sandy Thomson started a daily diary during the first lockdown, which he shared on Facebook. It gathered lots of followers and he was persuaded to publish it as a book. Picture: Callum Mackay
Sandy Thomson started a daily diary during the first lockdown, which he shared on Facebook. It gathered lots of followers and he was persuaded to publish it as a book. Picture: Callum Mackay

A SENIOR citizen encouraged to turn his online lockdown diary into a book has been delighted by the global reaction to his light-hearted account of life during the coronavirus crisis.

Sandy Thomson of Maryburgh was encouraged to publish his whimsical day-by-day account after a daily blog, Sandy’s Social Distance Diaries, became a hit on Facebook.

In common with thousands of teenagers, the chief invigilator for the SQA saw his own exam overseeing plans thrown into chaos by the pandemic.

In Sandy’s Daily Diaries – 101 Days of Social Distancing, he offers an insight into a world familiar to many, finding joy in encounters with a neighbouring cat, escapades in the garden and efforts to delay odd jobs round the house.

The book, available on Amazon, has sold as far afield as the United States and Australia.

“I started it on Facebook and it seemed that people were sitting up waiting for my daily entry,” said Mr Thomson. “I just did it for fun for family and friends really but it took off.”

A volunteer with Highland Hospice, he has also attracted donations of £1600 to the much-loved charity.

He’s also a Munlochy Animal Aid supporter and was able to swap a copy of his book for one written by its operator, Iona Nicol.

His love of the Harry Gow dream ring shines through and the daily walks to places familiar to Ross-shire folk are a recurring theme. At the end of each entry he reveals his score from the PopMaster music quiz hosted on BBC Radio 2 by Ken Bruce.

He admitted: “It’s something I started and had to keep going. People seem to like it.”

In his spare time he is a member of award-winning Dingwall Gaelic Choir and also a bothy ballad singer.

Originally from Laggan near Newtonmore, he has lived in Maryburgh for 37 years and describes it as a “good friendly community”.

Find out more about Sandy's Daily Diaires: 101 days of social distancing here

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